Faculty: Art and Science This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of American culture and literature, focusing on the exploration of literary works, cultural movements, and historical contexts that have shaped the United States. Students will explore key topics such as American literary genres, cultural studies, and critical theory. The major emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to prepare students for careers in academia, publishing, cultural analysis, and related fields. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamental principles of American culture and literature and their role in shaping societal values and identities. - Develop skills in analyzing and interpreting literary texts and cultural artifacts. - Learn techniques for conducting research and critical analysis in American studies. - Explore the principles of cultural studies and their application in understanding American society. - Understand the impact of historical and social contexts on American literature and culture. - Analyze the challenges and opportunities of working in the field of American culture and literature. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges in cultural and literary analysis. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to American Culture and Literature** - Overview of American culture and literature, its history, and its significance in understanding societal values and identities. 2. **American Literary Genres** - Fundamentals of American literary genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. - Techniques for analyzing and interpreting literary texts. 3. **Cultural Studies and Critical Theory** - Principles of cultural studies, including the analysis of cultural artifacts and practices. - Techniques for applying critical theory to the study of American culture and literature. 4. **Historical Contexts in American Literature** - Impact of historical contexts, such as the Colonial period, the American Renaissance, and the Modernist era, on American literature. - Techniques for understanding and interpreting literature within its historical framework. 5. **Social and Political Movements in American Culture** - Overview of social and political movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Women's Movement, and their influence on American culture. - Techniques for analyzing the representation of social and political issues in literature and culture. 6. **Ethics and Professional Practice in American Studies** - Overview of ethical and professional considerations in the study of American culture and literature. - Techniques for ensuring ethical and professional conduct in research and analysis. 7. **Specialized Topics in American Culture and Literature** - Principles of specialized topics, including regional literature, ethnic literature, and contemporary American culture. - Techniques for conducting in-depth research on specialized topics. 8. **Emerging Trends in American Culture and Literature** - Impact of emerging trends, such as digital humanities and global influences, on American culture and literature. - Techniques for integrating new trends into the study of American culture and literature. **Assessment Methods:** - Literary analysis and research projects to evaluate analytical skills. - Written assignments and research papers to assess knowledge of American literary genres and cultural studies. - Presentations and reports on historical contexts and social movements. - Participation in group projects and cultural analysis simulations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "The Norton Anthology of American Literature" by Nina Baym and Robert S. Levine. - "Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice" by Chris Barker. - "The Cambridge Companion to American Literature and the Environment" by Sarah Ensor and Susan Scott Parrish. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of literature and cultural studies is recommended. This major is suitable for students in literature, cultural studies, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically, this major runs for four academic years, with a combination of lectures, seminars, and research projects. **Certification:** Upon successful completion, students may receive a degree in American Culture and Literature, depending on the program and institution. **Target Audience:** This major is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in literature, cultural studies, and related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their skills in American culture and literature. This major prepares students and professionals to excel in the field of American culture and literature, leveraging theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and an understanding of historical and social contexts to explore and interpret the rich tapestry of American literary and cultural heritage.